The Alabama Farmers Federation is touting its influence over state politics after several candidates endorsed by Alabama Farm PAC won Tuesday's primary elections.
"Tuesday night demonstrated the power of personal relationships," Federation president Jimmy Parnell said. "FarmPAC's endorsement is coveted because it is rooted in our organization's conservative values and backed by engaged Federation leaders in every local community. Hard-working Alabama families and small business owners, including farmers, are in a fight for the future of our state. Common sense won the first battle."
ALFA said more money was spent per candidate in the May 19 primary elections than in Alabama's history.
Twenty-one out of 25 FarmPAC-endorsed legislative candidates either won outright or advanced to a runoff in the Republican primary Tuesday, including:
- Terry Waters, Senate District 22
- Rusty Glover, Senate District 34
- Maurice McCaney, House District 1
- Mike Elliott, House District 13
- Rick Rehm, House District 85
- Danielle Duggar, House District 96
- Jeff Monroe, House District 37 (runoff)
- Joseph Freeman, House District 95 (runoff)
Ten out of 13 Democratic candidates endorsed by ALFA also won or advanced in their races, including:
- Travis Hendrix, House District 55
- Patrick Sellers, House District 57
- Alicia Escott Lumpkin, House District 60
- Kelvin Lawrence, House District 69
- Penni McClammy, House District 76
- Berry Forte, House District 84
- Pebblin Warren, House District 82 (runoff)
"With less than 1% of people involved in farming, it's important to support candidates who understand the importance of agriculture and forestry to our state," Parnell said. "This year, we were able to elect statewide officials who were raised on farms and share the Christian values and work ethic of our members. Local Federation leaders were excited to support Corey Hill, Katherine Robertson and Caroleene Dobson, among others, and we are proud to see them advance."
Other FarmPAC-endorsed candidates earning the Republican nomination were:
- Tommy Tuberville, Governor
- Caroleene Dobson, Secretary of State
- Young Boozer, State Treasurer
- Matt Gentry, Public Service Commission, Place 1
- Mike Rogers, U.S. Congress, District 3
- Robert Aderholt, U.S. Congress, District 4
Advancing to the June 16 Republican runoff were:
- Wes Allen, Lieutenant Governor
- Katherine Robertson, Attorney General
- Corey Hill, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
- Chris Beeker, Public Service Commission, Place 2
"Candidates work to earn our support by demonstrating shared values and commitment to public policy that strengthens farms, families, small businesses and rural communities — even when it's hard," Parnell said. "In this election cycle, county Federation leaders remembered when candidates took that relationship for granted and failed to listen when farmers voiced their concerns. If incumbents supported government overreach, more regulations, weakened private property rights, supported gambling or imposed mandates that drive up the cost of living, they were less likely to earn the support of FarmPAC or the voters, as was evident in this election. Victories by candidates who earned the trust of county Farmers Federations demonstrate grassroots connections are still more powerful than out-of-state dollars."
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